Wednesday, September 11, 2013

so most, if not all, of you know that I am writing a book. okay, more than one book. but this one book in particular. the first book in the 12 Blades series. you can see the storyboard i made on pinterest.
today i decided to think of a cover photo. i narrowed it down to these five;

via my pinterest

Which one do you guys like best?

I did make a cover just cause I love this pic and I was bored;

Yep. I just think that's an awesome picture. So, you can read part of my book if you go to my last blog post. I did post it the same day as my second to last, so it might have gotten passed over. But no worries! =)

Yep. I'm pretty proud of what I have so far. It's written in a style I'd never thought of using before, but I really like it. I think it's my favorite style to write in, actually.

So, tell me whatcha think and i promise I'll be back with a more interesting post ;)

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Gwen didn’t
move. She stood there, her balled fists hanging at her side. Her eyes
burned, her raven hair cascading down her back.

“Why?” she
sputtered.

“Why? You
are a girl! Not meant to fight! You barely know how to use a sword and it would
take years to teach you properly.”

“So I’m
supposed to sit in the castle listening to the cries of the courtiers wives as
they bid their husbands and sons farewell? Am I supposed to cook and knit while
there are men dying?” She crossed her arms.

“Yes.”

“Preposterous!”
She exclaimed. “I have just as much right to defend my home as any man. It is
my country too. It doesn’t belong only to the men at arms. The other three
kingdoms allow their women to fight. Why not here in Valdiel?”

“You can’t
fight because no Valian women have ever done so before.”

“William, I’m
better with a bow and arrow than even you. I know how to use a sword because
you taught me! And why am I not allowed because other women in past times
didn’t have the skill?”

“It’s not
that they didn’t have skill. They didn’t need to fight. If you go, you will go
up against seasoned warriors and you are naught but a beginner.” He shook his
head.

“Then teach
me, brother. We need as many fighters as are willing to protect the land they
love! Let me fight among them. I can hold my own!”

“No.” He
scowled at her.

Her face
turned white with fury. She opened her mouth to say something, but thought
better and shut it.

She stood up
as tall as she could and looked up at him, the anger in her green eyes replaced
by determination.

“Very well,
then.” And turning on her heal, Gwen walked doggedly out of the room.

William’s
eyes followed her out, then looked back to the battle plans he was given by the
King.

“That girl,”
he said to himself, “Could end the war before it happened, if she was given the
chance.”

No matter
how hard William tried to forget the matter, it kept coming back to mind. He
slowly started to realize the truth and wisdom in what his sister had said. He
then started to wonder if he should relay the information to the elders, to see
if they thought the same.

Maybe this is the chance she has! He realized. I will bring this matter before the king and his
advisors. Gwen, you might have saved us all.

Walking into
the hall, Gwen didn’t notice the person leaning against the wall until he
called her.

“Lady Gwen!”
the silver haired warrior ran to her.

“Bayder! I’m
so sorry, I didn’t see you.” she stopped.

“It’s fine
Lady. I only meant to ask how your discussion went.”

“Please,
just call me Gwen for I am no lady.”

“But you are
a lady! Any woman willing to fight an army for her homeland is nobler than if
you were born into royalty.” He looked down at her.

“Thank you,
Bayder. I needed that.” She looked up and smiled at him, then frowned slightly.
“You asked how my debate with my brother went. It went badly. I will not be
allowed to fight. Nor any women willing to take up arms.”

“Might I ask
why?”

“It would
wound the pride of the men, I fear. No women in Valian history have ever fought
because they never had too. But this is different. We, the four kingdoms
united, are still too few in number to match the rebellion. The idea that we
need women to fight bruises the pride and moral of the men at arms.”

“What a sad turn
of events!” Bayder exclaimed. Then he clapped his hands. “Unless!” he laughed,
“unless you can make the men see that it doesn’t say they are weak and that it
might add the extra boost we need to end all this!”

Gwen wrapped
her arms around her friend in a massive hug.

“Bayder! You
are a genius! Come, I have an idea.” She released him and started running.

Getting to
the officers’ quarters outside the training barracks, Gwen stopped and
requested that she see the Battle master.

“I’m sorry
miss,” Said the guard at the door, “The battle master is in the middle of a
very important meeting and will be seeing no one. I could, however, give him a
message if you’d like.”

“Thank you
so much! Yes, tell him that Gwen requested to see him. Please inform him that
Bayder and I will be at the archery range and if we are already gone we upon
his going, that we will talk with him at supper.”

“Yes miss.”
He bowed his head. “Sir.”

Gwen
curtsied and turned to leave, when she had thought of another thing.

“Sir guard?
Do you think we would be allowed to borrow a few bow and arrows for practicing?
And possibly two swords as well?”

The man
looked surprised. “I don’t see why not. Only, the guard on duty at the armory
might question your ability to use them, as you are a lady.”

“I can use
them well enough.” She assured him. “And if he questions me, I will ask him to
face me as his opponent. Being a lady is merely a disguise to my ability.”

“I believe
you miss. You seem like you could face quite a bit of danger without
consequence.”

“She could,
take my word for it! I was privileged to see her in action once or twice
myself.” Bayder laughed, patting Gwen’s shoulder. “She beat me in a fair fight
and I’m not ashamed to tell the world.”

When they
reached the armory Gwen made her request for the weapons.

The two men
on guard laughed at her and told her to run along.

“But you
don’t understand! I know how to use them. I want to go and practice so I don’t
go soft. Please, give them to us and let us go.”

“You know
how to use them do you? Highly unlikely.” one man jeered. “Go home you little
scullery maid. Leave us to our work.”

“Scullery
maid?!” Gwen croaked.

“Scullery
maid. Now be off with ye!” the other guard said with a dismissive gesture.

“Gentlemen!”
Bayder cried, ”Do you have any idea of whom you’re talking to?”

The men
looked at each other.

He crossed
his arms. “This is Lady Gwen, who is sister to the knight, Sir William
Greenfall, who is best friend to the royal family. You have been honored with
the company of a personage higher than yourselves and yet you have the gall to
insult her? Do you know what I could have done to you for this?”

Both guards
blanched and ducked their heads. It was silent in the yard, all eyes watching
them curiously.

“Well? I’m
waiting.” Bayder said darkly.

“Well sir-“one
started, his voice faltering.

“We-We didn’t
know, sir, honest we didn’t. We just thought-“ The other guard tried to finish
for his friend, but was interrupted by Bayders yell.

“You really thought
she was a kitchen maid? Does she look anything like one? Is she wearing the
royal staff uniform? How you could mistake Lady Gwen for a maid is beyond me.”

The men kept
their heads down.

“And to think
that warriors in the Kings army have reduced to bullying the people weaker than
them, it’s shocking!”

Yesterday, while we were up at my aunts house with our Bible Study group, my cousins Perry and Katie stood up.

"As many of you know, Katie and I have been looking for a house. Well, we bought one and we get to move in October." Perry announced.
People clapped and said things like, "Good for you!", "Congradulations!" and "How exciting!."
I was pretty happy because they finally have their first home.

They have been married for three amazing years and by the time of their fourth anniversary they will have a little bundle of joy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was smiling so hard my face hurt. BUT I COULDN'T STOP SMILING!!!!!!

ITS GOING TO BE THE CUTEST BABY EVER!!!!!!!!! Katie is so pretty and Perry should have been a model, so that baby is going to get some really good looks.

For this very special occasion I would like you all to go to my one of my bestest friends blog, My Dolls And Me; An American Girl Doll Blog!
(Okay, now don't completely leave me. I have a few other things to tell you before you close this tab.)

MajorAGFan is selling a few things American Girl and asked me if I would spread the word.
(Duh! She is my bestie! Of course I'll post this for her! LOVE YOU GURLLL! Haha ;) )
She has a really neat blog and YouTube page and I know it would make her day if you followed her and subscribed!!!

And for a bonus!!! IF you follow and subscribe I WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER!!!!!!

Okay I'm gonna run, but know that I WILL RETURN! I'm not gonna leave you again for a long time, i hope:)

Lots of love,
Maddie

P.S. Over the course of the last month my name has been changed by my family. Haha! its now Mads. so, You guys can now call me three things: Madeline, Maddie or Mads. whatever suits your fancy:) BUH BYEEEEE!!!

hey everyone!
So we got a package from my grandma (she lives in texas) the other day... it contained a random assortment of candy, stuffed animals, a movie, a grill master apron for my dad, and, a nook tablet. Thats something that i hadnt expected from my grandma. I was pretty shocked. But in a good way:)
But for some reason it wont let me look at my blogger feed :( oh well.
But at least i can post! I love being back in the blogger wolrld! All you guys are my pals<3
Today we're going to pick up hold.from our library:) GUESS WHAT FIANLLY CAME IN! After three months of having it on hold, Divergent by Veronica Roth is finally here! I was number 7 of 12 holds.
Im really excited to read it because ive heard so much about it and it has been recomended to me multiple times. And id like to know what all the fangirly stuff is about.
Another book i got was The False King. Sorry buy i cant remember the authors name... hopefully ill remember to post about it;)
One more thing before i go; ive been writing quitea bit on my book 12 Blades of War. If you go to my pinterest you can look at the StoryBoard i made for it:)
Okay, i have to go... but i might give you a more exciting post later! Its hard typing on this nook and my thumbs are cramping up xD
Lots of love,
Mads

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

i've been tagged by the incredible Anna of Hero! thanks so much Anna! let us continue with our adventure...

1) If the main villain of your favorite book/movie/tv series showed up at your doorstep, what would you do? (Explain who it is first)Okay. SO my brother and I have been watching the BBC Sherlock series and it's pretty awesome in our opinion. I guess that means Jim Moriarty is coming to my house... Do I really have to explain how much of a snake this character is? Isn't his reputation of being the worlds only "Consulting Criminal" famous?

There's a knock at the door. "I'll get it!"I yell over the screaming kids and barking dogs.I race my brother to the door and pull it open, and stepping back in shock. "You!" I growl.He smiles and puts out his hand. "Hello. I've heard so much about you." his deep voice gave me the chills.I bat his hand away and slam the door shut. I race to the phone and call John, begging him to come. Sherlock overhears the call and deducts that it is Moriarty's plan to have him come.2) Now suppose the heroes opposite your villain showed up just after your exchange, what would you do?YES! *fist pump* I've been wanting to meet John and Sherlock!John runs to the back door and I let him in."Thank goodness you're here! Where's Sherlock?"John rolls his eyes. "He wanted to meet Moriarty at the front and distract him.""That leave us to catch him? Nice. Come on, lets go."I peaked through the window by the door. Sherlock and Moriarty were face to face, studying each other. "Jim." Sherlock says, offering his hand."Sherlock." Moriarty, shakes it. "I knew you would show up. Where's your doctor friend? I was sure you would bring him along."John steps out the front door, aiming his gun at his head.3) So... moving on, the heroes defeat the villain (with some help from you, of course-- whatever it may be ;) But the next day, you're just walking along, minding your own business, when you suddenly come across the same villain... who is now lying in the dust severely wounded and unconscious. What do you do? Huh... I wonder how Moriarty, of all people, let someone get close enough to hurt him. Interesting....... ;)Frankly, I'd drag him back to my house, call Detective Inspector Lestrade, Sherlock and Watson, clean up his wounds. When they all got here, I'd ask them to call 911 and lock Moriarty up... That dude just gives me the creeps. *shudders*4) Now his minions show up and kidnap both you and him and take you to their universe (or version of your universe, whatever it happens to be) your reaction?Oh yeah I'm going to London! *starts dancing*

I remember suddenly being surrounded by men in black suits just before I blacked out. I woke up in a grey room. No windows, lamps, chairs or a door it seemed. Just a cot with a single sheet. I sat up and glared at the wall.

My blood was boiling and I wanted out. "Moriarty!" I half screamed half yelled, "Let me out of here!"

I knew he had to hear. I knew I was being watched. I looked around the room, trying to find something - anything - that would held me escape. Fear replaced anger as I realized I was trapped - with no way out.5) Your fantastic heroes have arrived to rescue you-- but now you are faced with a choice. The villain, out of gratitude for your earlier help (assuming you actually did help him when he was wounded), has offered you a chance to travel back to your own universe. However, the heroes warn you not to trust him. The only other way for you to get back home is to travel with the heroes on a long and dangerous journey... and there's no guarantee that you'll survive... What. Do. You. Do?

Yay! I'm being rescued! Uh oh.. A choice? Hmmm...

I was just sitting on the cot. Staring at the wall. Waiting to be let out. Hoping to be freed.

I hear an odd noise, and when I look up, Moriarty is standing there, frowning.

I notice the bandages around his head and chest.

"I'm surprised to see you're not panicked." He tilted his head. "I expected you to freak out."

"Don't worry. I'm freaking out inside."

"Oh, good. Well. Where are your hero's now? Looks like they've forgotten all about you."

"They have not forgotten me! They'll stop at nothing. You'll see."

He smiled wickedly. "Do you know how long you've been in here, in this room? Three days. We haven't spotted head nor tail of your friends."

Hey people! I'm sooooo sorry I haven't been on! I'll try to make it up by posting a ton.

August is a really busy month for us. It's always full of fun things that keep is on our toes;)

The first week was a week of preparation. We spent the whole time cleaning house and packing so we could go down the weekend with some really good friends. In fact, our whole bible study group went to their house! It was so much fun and I want to go again:)

On August 12 was my sister Sadie's 10th birthday! She had the cutest cake too! The lady friend who made it shaped it like a slice :D have you every had butter cream frosting? Well, if you want to live to a ripe old age I would recommend never eating it. That stuff is so perfect it's addicting. My hearts still Brocken that we don't have anymore of that frosting.

Also on the 12th, we dropped off fair projects. I was soooo excited but as soon as we left the fair grounds I got really nervous.

August 15th: because my mom and I had Bible Study later that day, we went early. We also brought our good friend Zelta:) she is such a neat lady! I'm sure y'all would love her to pieces!

Anywho; the first entries we went through were the beading my sister and I had done and my brothers wood work.

Sadie and Rebekah entered bracelets and they each got a 1st place ribbon. Yay for them! Allison entered a beaded lizard, which also got a 1st place ribbon.

For my brothers wood work he had entered a walking stick and a pipe. He got blue ribbons too:) (by the way: blue = first place.) he was pretty happy:)

Then my beading. blue ribbons on my three necklaces! AND a best in show necklace! WOO HOOO!!!! talk about a thrill ;D

Next was my photography. SECOND. PLACE. YESSSS!!! it was the picture of my sister Allison :D and i got a 3rd place in the animal division and 3rd in the portrait division. I was (still am!) realllyyyyyyyyyyyy excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last of all; my sister Allison also entered three AMAZING Wolf sketches she had done, but she only got honorable mentions. I wasn't very happy about that. She seriously had the best sketches on the wall! bummer.... But we all gave her a virtual 1st place and that cheered her up a bit:)

That was all fun;)

THEN! FIREWOOD! That's all really boring though ;D

We've been to the library a few times... I haven't really read a book worth noting though :-/

Other than RANGERS APPRENTICE. I really really REALLY love this series!

The last time we went to the library I had put books 4, 5, 6 and 7 on hold and was standing in line to check out when this guy behind me says,"Hey! I love that series! I read them all! They were really good. Did you know that there's a new one being published?"

Haha it was funny.

Two weeks ago my mom left with all the ladies of our bible study to go to a Woman's Retreat in Seatle. She had a good time.

I'm glad she had fun. Because back at home I was the replacement and I'm just going to throw it out there, My mom is my hero. I don't know how she does it. The house cluttered up every 5 minuets, dishes piled sky high in the sink, the floor was hidden under toys and such... Okay. I'm kidding. It wasn't that bad.

But it was still hard :-/

Then she came home:) everything was back to normal! Woohoo!

Two days later she left to go to California with my aunt Susie and cousins MacKenzie and Katie. They went to go see my other aunt, Aunt Joni (aunt Susie's sister;D).

Fun times.

For the first three days I babysat my cousin Mitchel. That was sooo boring xD all we did was play Wii and I drew. Lol.

Then I came home and was greeted by grubby siblings and a messy house. They got cleaned up and I picked up the house xD oh the fun! The best thing was that I could watch movies while I cleaned. That made it tolerable.

Then last night my mom came home! YAY! Back to normal now!

It's nice having her back:)

Now I've got things to do. Finish my application for the library so I can be a Volunteer, and fill out a whole pile of papers to be a Fire Department Explorer with my brother:) that should be fun too.

Since my dad works for the fire department my bro and I could go on calls with my dad. AWESOME! Sooo excited :D

So, before I go I just wanted to thank those of you who have awarded me and I'm really sorry that I haven't been on to put them up. I'll try to get them up soon:)

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Hello and welcome to Totally Me! I'm 16 and a book fanatic:-D I'm a Star Wars know-it-all and an amateur photographer. Why don't you stick around and read about bits and parts of my life? I love being random and I love to talk:-D I'm not posting on my blogs as much as I would like but you know the saying! "Life Happens." I'm crazy over old(er) television shows (such as: I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Andy Griffith Show, Hogan's Hero's, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, M*A*S*H, and others!). I like to write and would like to, some day, join the radio theatre. I LOVE Jane Austen's books and British accents. I hope I make your stay worth-while! Madeline May (Or, Maddie)